Bowen Basin coal miner Vitrinite has marked the first use of its cutting-edge HW300 highwall miner at the Vulcan South site near Dysart. 

Vitrinite chief operating officer Michael Callan said there were only about 90 HW300 highwall miners in operation around the world. 

“Today marks the culmination of six years of research on the high-wall mining method, the HW300 unit and our resource conditions,” Mr Callan said. 

“The HW300 offers several key benefits for Queensland including reduced environmental impact, lower cost-efficient mining and enhanced safety and productivity. 

“We’re very proud to have the first dedicated unit in Australia and give this extraction method the dedicated focus it deserves.” 

The HW300 highwall miner provides access to coal seams that traditional methods cannot reach, improving operational safety, reducing production costs, and minimising land disturbance. 

The Vulcan South open-cut operation is expected to produce almost 2 million tonnes per annum of metallurgical coal and support around 450 jobs at peak in 2027. 

Vitrinite welcomed more than 100 guests to the site yesterday to witness the first coal from its highwall miner.

Among the guests, Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last said he was proud to see a Queensland mine leading the nation with innovative technology that improved safety and boosted regional job opportunities. 

“The HW300 highwall miner is a major leap forward for safety, efficiency and environmental impact reduction,” Mr Last said. 

“It also reinforces Queensland’s reputation as a global leader in mining innovation. 

“This investment is not only improving the productivity of the operation but is also creating skilled employment opportunities for Central Queensland. 

“It is a vote of confidence in Queensland’s resources sector, and a vote of confidence in the Crisafulli Government’s agenda to support new and expanded mining opportunities across the state. 

“Queensland is open for business, and the Crisafulli Government is committed to supporting innovation that secures long-term opportunities for the state’s mining industry.” 

Below: Natural Resources and Mines Minister Dale Last with Vitrinite managing director Nick Williams.